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Family dynamics undergoa world of change

Bahira Sherif Trask, professor of human development and family studies

Change is a constant in life, even when it comes to “family dynamics”— the interrelationships between family members , according to Bahira Sherif Trask, professor of human development and family studies.

But today, the process is even more accelerated, says Trask, who shared examples from research around the world at the first TEDxWilmington conference, held this past August in Wilmington, Del.

Consider this:

Fifteen years ago, in a small town in northern Mexico, the men and women had traditional roles—the men worked in the fields and the women oversaw meals, child care and domestic chores. Ten years ago, a factory opened outside of the town, and the women began to travel an hour and a half to the factory, work 10-hour days and return home. There, they continue to handle all the domestic chores, raising the question about improvements in their quality of life.

As women join the workforce, countries around the world are experiencing higher rates of divorce—even where divorce has a stigma attached to it, such as Ghana, Korea and Nigeria. Women who have financial independence are much more likely today to initiate divorce if they are not happy.

In the U.S., 42 percent of children are now born outside of marriage. However, researchers are finding that, compared to the 1960s, both men and women are spending more time with their children, even though many more women work outside of the home.

So, are these changes good or bad?

Trask doesn’t pass judgment, but rather explores the impact these types of shifts have on the economy, families and relationships.

“We are in the midst of an incredible social transformation,” the UD expert explains. “It’s a radical and permanent transformation, and it’s happening very quickly. It’s accelerated now. What I’m trying to do is raise awareness, so we can put in place programs and policies that will help individuals and families with these new phenomena.”

Originating in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from technology, entertainment and design (from which its name is derived), TED is a nonprofit “devoted to ideas worth spreading.” TED events feature short presentations on a wide range of subjects to educate and spark meaningful discussions.